OSISA, through this project, will analyse mining legislations of 12 SADC countries to identify similarities, differences, innovations and best practices for peer-learning. The project will also update the SADC standard mining legislation to ensure that it is in tune with the African mining vision and emerging international norms and standards. The project will look into mining policies of each country, bearing in mind that Southern African countries have never harmonised their mining legislations or policies despite the existence of a regional harmonisation policy framework.

But unlike the nations on Botswana’s periphery, the regime is considered one of Africa’s ‘clean’ political diamonds, receiving the score of least corrupt country on the continent. It is important to get to the bottom of diamond mining in Botswana interrogating transparency and accountability.

There is expectation that banks undertake due diligence on their potential clients before they can fund them to support social and environmental accountability. Mining activities, if not properly managed can destroy the environment, illegally displace people; pollute air, soil, and water, as well as become the source of illicit financial flows.

The illegal trade in natural resources, especially minerals in the east of the DRC, is one of the factors that contribute to political instability and make it difficult to consolidate peace and democracy.

Behind SARW’s appointment are the various activities since 2010 to tackle the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the Great Lakes Region, the Alternative Summit on the margins of ICGLR Heads of State Special Summit.

The mining industry contributes significantly to the hardship experienced by black women in rural areas of South Africa. For decades, mining houses have drawn in young black men for labour, only for many to return home sick, with little to show for years spent toiling underground.